Analisis Natrium Benzoat pada Minuman Kemasan Cup yang Beredar di Kota Medan

Abstract

Background: Food additives in the form of synthetic preservatives are often added to packaged drinks. When using synthetic preservatives, you must pay attention to the levels because they can be dangerous to health if they exceed the appropriate levels. One of the preservatives that is often used in packaged drinks is sodium benzoate. The use of sodium benzoate in drinks is regulated in Food and Drug Monitoring Agency Regulation Number 11 of 2019 concerning Food Additives, the maximum level of sodium benzoate permitted in packaged drinks is 400 mg/kg. Objective: This study aims to determine the sodium benzoate content in cup-packaged drinks circulating in the city of Medan. Method: Analysis was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. Sampling was carried out based on a simple random method based on 21 sub-districts in the city of Medan with samples taken from 5 sub-districts. Qualitative analysis was carried out by precipitation test using FeCl3 reagent. A positive result is indicated by the formation of a brownish orange solution with a brownish pink precipitate. Quantitative analysis was carried out using UV Spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 222 nm. Results: Qualitative analysis showed that sample 1 was positive while the other samples were negative. The levels of sodium benzoate in drinks packaged in cups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively were 30.2803 mg/kg; 12.0009 mg/kg; 26.2164 mg/kg; 20.6866 mg/kg; and 15.3728 mg/kg. Sample 1 showed the highest sodium benzoate content, namely 30.2803 mg/kg. Based on the results, the levels of sodium benzoate compounds in all cup packaged drink samples did not exceed the threshold according to Food and Drug Monitoring Agency Regulation Number 11 of 2019, which states that the maximum sodium benzoate content permitted in packaged drinks is 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: The levels of sodium benzoate in cup-packaged drinks meet the requirements of Food and Drug Monitoring Agency Regulation Number 11 of 2019.